Culpeper Hospital Auxiliary Lights of Love celebrates 35 years

For 35 years, the annual Lights of Love program has helped remember those who have brought caring and compassion to Culpeper while helping raise funds for hospital needs.

The program, hosted by the Novant Health UVA Health System Culpeper Medical Center Auxiliary, donated proceeds from the lights this year for the purchase of wheelchairs and a blanket warmer for the ICU.

Jeff Hetmanski, President, Novant Health UVA Health System Culpeper Medical Center, said that the annual event brings much needed light in a time of year when the nights get longer.

“I want to thank the auxiliary for bringing us together for another year,” Hetmanski said. “With the coming of the winter solstice in a few weeks, we’ll soon experience the longest night of the year at time when darkness reigns. There are natural seasonal reasons to kindle light in the darkness this time of year.”

Hetmanksi thanked the auxiliary for their contributions to the hospital and recognized the Culpeper oncology services, who the program was dedicated to this year.

“Tonight’s event is a special night where soon the light on the tree behind me will celebrate those that have brought great kindness and love into our lives,” Hetmanski said.

Shirley Ann Bayne, auxiliary president, said that the program provides another relief to Culpeper – much needed rain.

“This is the fourth year we’ve had rain, and we haven’t had rain in what, three weeks?” Bayne said with a laugh.

The crowd of more than 50 were entertained by the sounds of Christmas by the Culpeper Youth Choir under the direction of Adriana Bustamante. Soloist Alex Smith, of Culpeper Baptist Church, sang Christmas carols as well.